Manchester United's second goal in their 5-2 victory over Ipswich on August 30 has been backed by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel, despite a controversial handball involving Harry Maguire.
The ball appeared to strike Maguire's hand as he controlled it outside the 18-yard box. His subsequent shot, which was off-target, deflected into the net via Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves.
Match official Craig Pawson and VAR Jarred Gillett initially deemed the handball accidental. The KMI Panel, in notes released today, stated that Maguire's arms were within his bodyline, making the contact accidental and not a punishable offence as he was not the goal scorer. The panel supported the referee's call to award the goal by a 4:1 vote, though one panellist considered the handball deliberate.
The contentious goal put United 2-1 up at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes went on to complete a hat-trick, and Bryan Mbeumo also scored, while Chuba Akpom netted a late consolation for Ipswich.